Make Signaling Interesting

A Scout's enjoyment of signaling depends almost entirely upon how it is
taught. Since few younger Scouts give thought to future values of signaling,
they are liable to forget it faster than they learn it, unless the Scoutmaster
provides interesting ways for practicing.

Select One Method and Follow It

Handbook for Boys suggests that for the Troop as a whole you use one of three
methods of sending: (1) Instruments, sounding di dah; (2) Lights or whistles
(flashed or blown long and short); (3) Flags, swung left and right.

Teach Receiving First

Although Scouts enjoy sending more than receiving experts agree that the best
way to learn signaling is to practice receiving until you are familiar with the
entire code. Following this advice, plan to concentrate on signaling - indoors
and out - for one month every year. During that period let Scouts who know the
code send to the beginners, regardless of age and rank.

Absolutely Avoid Dots and Dashes

Experts caution us to absolutely avoid the use or even mention of dots, and
dashes in learning the code.

Use Patrols or Teams of Buddies

New Patrols with very few First Class Scouts should use the Patrol as the
unit for teaching signaling. However, established Troops may find it desirable,
for the signaling month, to organize four-to-eight-man teams, with a nearly
equal distribution of Scouts of all three ranks. Each team or Patrol will need
one leader who knows the code, and this leader throughout this chapter is
designated the "Sender." In either teams or Patrols, during this
month, let Scouts pair themselves off as buddies to work together both in and
out of Troop Meetings.

Establishment of a Month Signaling Plan

The plan set forth in this chapter provides signaling activities for four
indoor meetings as well as ample material for outdoor meetings. After you have
read this chapter and made a skeleton program for your Troop, present it to a
PLC (Patrol Leaders' Council). If you have no Scouts who know the code, train as
many as you may need to act as Senders (Group Leaders) in advance of the
program. It is in no wise recommended, however, that a Scoutmaster try to do the
job alone.

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Old School Scouting:
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